Prison rehabilitation programs and recidivism: evidence from variations in availability

Abstract

Increasing evidence suggests that incarceration can improve the social reintegration of inmates in some circumstances. Yet, the mechanisms through which incarceration may favor rehabilitation remain largely unknown. This paper exploits variations in program availability in Quebec (Canada) to estimate their effects on recidivism. We find that reintegration programs can substantially decrease the probability of future incarceration. However, this is mitigated by an increase in the probability of future community sentences, though these are associated with less serious offenses. Programs addressing self-development, violent behavior, or education and employment deficiencies exhibit strong effec..